Filtrer
VENKI
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A major exploration of the science of why and how we age and die - from a Nobel Prize-winning biologist and former president of the Royal Society.
''Ramakrishnan''s writing is so honest, lucid and engaging'' - Siddhartha Mukherjee The knowledge of death is so terrifying that we live most of our lives in denial of it. Our fear of death has underpinned our religions, inspired our cultures, and also driven our science. Today we are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in our understanding of why we age and die, and why some species live longer than others. Immortality, once a faint hope, has never been more within our grasp.
Here, Nobel Prize-winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan offers a definitive look at why we die - and whether we can do anything about it. Covering the recent breakthroughs in scientific research, he examines the cutting edge of efforts to extend lifespan by altering our natural biology and how this raises profound questions. Although we might not like it, might death might serve a necessary biological purpose? And what are the social and ethical costs of attempting to live forever? As science advances, we have much to gain. But might we also have much to lose?
Why We Die is a narrative of uncommon insight and beauty from one of our leading public intellectuals. -
Nouv.
How can science help us live better and longer? A groundbreaking exploration of longevity from Nobel Prize-winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan
SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE 2024
A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW SCIENTIST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST READ
'Changed my perspective on the whole living world.' - CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN
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We are living through an exciting revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in our understanding of why we age, and why some species live longer than others. Will we soon be able to cheat disease and death and live for a very long time, possibly many times our current lifespan?
Why We Die shares the latest scientific understanding of what causes ageing and how we might prevent it. Ramakrishnan examines the cutting-edge efforts to extend the human lifespan by altering our natural biology, raising profound questions and unravelling mind-bending answers along the way. Does death serve a necessary biological purpose? What will it mean for us all if some people start living longer? And how can we increase our chances of living long, healthy and fulfilled lives?
'An incredible journey.' - SIDDHARTHA MUKHERJEE
'Joyfully alive' - STEVE BRUSATTE
'Scientists do not come much more eminent than Venki Ramakrishnan... wonderfully readable... fascinating.' FINANCIAL TIMES
*As heard on BBC Radio 4 Start the Week* -
From Nobel Prize winner Venki Ramakrishnan
'Beyond superb' Bill Bryson
'A wonderful book' Ian McEwan
Everyone knows about DNA, the essence of our being, the molecule where our genes reside. But DNA by itself is useless without a machine to decode the genetic information it contains. The ribosome is that machine. Venki Ramakrishnan tells the story of the race to uncover its enormously complex structure, a fundamental breakthrough that resolves an ancient mystery of life itself.
